TLDR Indonesia says nearly 200,000 children have been exposed to online gambling, with 80,000 under the age of ten Officials warn the trend poses a serious risk to future generations as gambling systems are designed for players to lose The government says website blocking and raids alone are not enough to fight the problem Authorities are calling on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to remove gambling ads Officials linked online gambling to family financial collapse and domestic abuse cases across the country Indonesia Sounds Alarm Over Children and Online Gambling
Indonesia’s government has revealed that nearly 200,000 children in the country have been exposed to online gambling content. The warning came during an anti-online gambling event held in Medan.
Minister of Communication and Information Technology Meutya Hafid shared the figures at the event. She said around 80,000 of the affected children are under ten years old.
Hafid called the trend dangerous for future generations. She said the online gambling system is built to ensure that players eventually lose their money.
The minister said the scale of children’s exposure shows how widespread gambling has become among adults in Indonesia. She framed the issue as a social problem, not just a law enforcement matter.
All forms of gambling are illegal in Indonesia under the country’s criminal laws. Authorities have increased crackdowns in recent years on offshore operators and advertising campaigns targeting Indonesian users.
However, Hafid said that blocking websites and conducting raids would not be enough on their own. She called for digital literacy programs and public awareness campaigns to educate people about the risks.
The minister stressed that the government needs to communicate directly with the public. She said people must develop their own awareness rather than relying solely on enforcement measures.
Impact on Families